Effective Parent Teacher Conferences at Every Grade Can We Talk? Effective Parent Teacher Conferences at Every Grade

Parent-teacher conferences happen every year. Don’t take this opportunity for granted! This is one of the most important things you can do to help your student achieve!

Can We Talk? Did you know school and home are two of the most important areas of influence in a child’s life?

Can We Talk? What happens in either place can impact a student’s ability to achieve.

Can We Talk? Communication between home and school can be hard to manage… but you have to try!

Parent Conference Today Can We Talk? Parent Conference Today Don’t miss it!

Can We Talk? There may be things happening at school that only the teacher can tell you..

…and things happening at home that only you can express. Can We Talk? …and things happening at home that only you can express.

The parent-teacher conference is the place to do it. Can We Talk? The parent-teacher conference is the place to do it.

The Teacher knows… If your child is working on grade level. How well your child is performing on tests. If your child is behaving and adjusting socially.

The Teacher knows… Your child’s strengths and weaknesses in class. The upcoming important assignments The best way for you to communicate with him/her.

You know… Your child better than anyone else! Your child’s after school activities Your child’s hopes and dreams About your child’s home life You know…

You know… The difficulties your child may be experiencing in school. Your child’s special medical needs. The best way for the school to contact you. You know…

And Now a Special Presentation “The Dog Ate My Conference Schedule” and other common myths that keep parents from attending their child’s conference.

Myth #1 “I just don’t get along with my child’s teacher. He doesn’t like me and I don’t like him. We don’t have anything to talk about.”

MYTH Myth Buster WRONG! You have lots to talk about. No matter how hard teachers and parents work towards partnership, occasional problems are unavoidable.

Myth Buster Don’t let problems interfere with your job of being your child’s strongest advocate. Too much is at stake! MYTH

Myth Buster It is possible for parents and teachers to work together if the focus remains on what’s best for the student, and off of personal feelings. MYTH

Myth #2 “My children are in middle and high school. They don’t do conferences anymore.”

Myth Buster WRONG! Conferences in middle and high schools are different, but they are still happening. In the upper grades a conference will usually be made up of a panel of your child’s teachers instead of being one-on-one. MYTH

Myth Buster MYTH The same important information will be discussed but you will have the added benefit of getting the collective feedback of your child’s teachers.

Myth #3 “Don’t I have to wait until November to have a Parent-Teacher Conference?”

Myth Buster MYTH NOT AT ALL! You can have a parent-teacher conference any time of the year. If you have a concern about your child’s performance you need only to give the teacher or guidance counselor a call to make an appointment.

Myth Buster MYTH Remember, conferences don’t always have to be face to face. You can always discuss issues over the phone or by e-mail.

Myth #4 “My child gets good grades in school. Do I still need to go to a parent-teacher conference?”

Myth Buster YES, YOU STILL NEED TO GO! The report card is just a snapshot of how a child is progressing in school, the parent-teacher conference is like a full color DVD. MYTH

Myth Buster By talking face-to-face, families can get more in- depth knowledge of how well their child is progressing. MYTH

Myth Buster At a conference, parents can see work samples and hear descriptions of their child’s academic, social, emotional and behavioral development. Parents can share firsthand what they have experienced at home. MYTH

Tips for a good Conference… Start the conference on a positive note. Before you arrive, write down the items you want to discuss during the conference.

Tips for a good Conference… During the conference, take notes so you won’t forget what was said. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Keep asking until you understand.

Tips for a good Conference… At the end of the conference, recap what was talked about. Pay special attention to those things each of you said you would do and the deadlines. Commit to listening with an open mind. Even if there are problems to discuss.

Remember, you are your child’s best and most important advocate Remember, you are your child’s best and most important advocate. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the school.